Aerosol-Generating Device Insulation Between Susceptor and Induction Coil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices with induction heating arrangements face inefficiencies due to increased electrical resistance and heat loss, which affect operational efficiency and heating performance.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a thermally insulating element that prevents lateral airflow into the cavity while allowing axial airflow, along with a susceptor arrangement with permeable sidewalls and a controlled induction heating system using multiple induction coils and susceptors to optimize airflow and heating efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If induction heating is used to heat the aerosol-generating article, then heating efficiency is improved, but the induction coil temperature increases leading to increased electrical resistance and reduced operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity is divided into thermally isolated zones using insulating elements. The insulating element separates the heating chamber from the induction coil housing, creating distinct thermal zones that prevent heat transfer to the coil housing while maintaining efficient heating in the chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A thermally insulating element is introduced as an intermediary between the heating chamber and the induction coil housing. This insulating element acts as a thermal barrier that prevents direct heat transfer to the coil housing, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while preserving heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the induction coil temperature increases, then heating capability is improved, but electrical resistance increases reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction coil temperatureVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Thermal insulation is provided in advance to prevent excessive temperature increase of the induction coil. The insulating element is positioned to cushion the coil housing from thermal exposure during operation, maintaining electrical resistance at acceptable levels while allowing the heating chamber to reach required temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of energy

If thermal insulation is improved, then heat loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat lossVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin-walled insulating element is used to provide thermal insulation without adding significant structural complexity. The insulating element can be made from materials like PEEK or PTFE that provide effective thermal barriers in thin configurations, reducing heat loss while maintaining a simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Loss of energy

If airflow control is improved, then heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The susceptor arrangement features locally differentiated properties with permeable sidewalls in specific regions to control airflow. The blade-shaped susceptors have gaps between them that allow air passage, creating localized airflow control zones that improve heating efficiency without requiring complex overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances thermal insulation, improves airflow distribution, and allows for precise temperature control, resulting in improved operational efficiency and heating performance of the aerosol-generating device.

Implementation Method 1

The induction coil may be arranged surrounding the susceptor arrangement. During operation, heating of the susceptor arrangement may lead to an increase of temperature of the induction coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

For induction heating, the heating arrangement may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a thermally insulating element (22) is arranged between the cavity (10) and the induction coil (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

The air aperture arranged in the base enables axial airflow into the cavity. The airflow into the cavity is enabled in an axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4021224B1Thermal insulation for aerosol-generating device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP4021224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4021224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity (10) for receiving an aerosol-generating article (12) comprising aerosol-forming substrate (18). The cavity comprises a base (28). The base comprises at least one air aperture (30). The device further comprises an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement comprises a susceptor arrangement (14) and an induction coil (16). The induction heating arrangement is arranged at least partly surrounding or forming the cavity. The device further comprises a thermally insulating element (22). The thermally insulating element is arranged between the susceptor arrangement and the induction coil. The thermally insulating element is sealingly attached to the base to prevent lateral airflow into the cavity at the base of the cavity.